Biography of W. P. G. Johnston, Randolph Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Bridgette Cohen Date: 1998 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas Copyrighted and Published 1889 by Goodspeed Publishing Company W. P. G. Johnston is one of the leading farmers of this section of the county, and the condition of his farm shows the care and attention to details which have ever characterized his efforts. He was born in Tennessee in 1833, and is a son of Gregory and Martha (Burton) Johnston, who were born in North Carolina and Virginia, respectively, were married in Tennessee about 1820, and engaged in farming in Randolph County, Ark. (whither they moved in 1848), until their respective deaths in 1877 and 1875, when aged seventy-seven and seventy-three years. Six of their nine children lived to maturity, and five are now living: Rev. L. F.; L. B.; Aurena, wife of Rev. Jesse Robertson; James F. and W. P. G., all of whom are residents of Randolph County. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the father was a Democrat in his political views. W. P. G. Johnston commenced farming for himself at an early day, was married to Miss Lurana Ingram in 1852, and by her became the father of five boys and one girl, three of whom are living at the present time: James L., George G. and John F. Mrs. Johnston died in December, 1865, having been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and Mr. Johnston wedded, in 1867, Miss Jane E. Ross, of this county, to whom were born six children: Robert G., Rufus M., Samuel P., Walter S. and Martha J., living, and one deceased Mr. Johnston was called upon to mourn the death of his second wife in 1876, she having been a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and a good and faithful wife and mother. Mr. Johnston's third nuptials were celebrated on the 3d of March, 1878, the lady being a Miss Pernecia J. Lewis. Charles A., Horace B., Mary A., Ida B., Joab and Amanda E. are their children. In 1862 he joined the Confederate service under Col. Jeff. Thompson, and operated east of the Mississippi River until he was discharged after the battle of Fort Pillow, on account of sickness, and returned home, where he remained until he had thoroughly regained his health. In 1863 he again enlisted, becoming a member of Col. Baber's regiment of infantry, and was with him until the surrender of Little Rock, at which time he was taken prisoner, and was kept in captivity for some time. After taking the oath of allegiance he was allowed to return home in 1864, and here he remained unmolested until the close of the war. He engaged in farming and erected a cotton-gin, which was the second gin put up in this section of the county. These occupations have since received his attention, and he has done well, being now the owner of 216 acres of land, with about 100 acres under cultivation. He is a Democrat, a Mason, and he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.